The Federation has been the leader in supporting land conservation efforts in Florida – one of the nation’s fastest growing states. This growth puts extreme pressure on our natural resources from South Florida to the panhandle. Permanently protecting habitat and promoting landscape connectivity is the only way to ensure that native wildlife such as the Florida panther, gopher tortoise, and Florida black bear remain part of our landscape.
Land Conservation
No Habitat, No Wildlife
In 1900, Florida had 530,000 residents. We have now reached 23 million and that number grows by almost 1,000 per day. New residents mean new developments and conversion of what was once forest, field, or agriculture to pavement, rooftops, and expanding roadways. For our wildlife, this is an ongoing threat as critical habitat is lost and roadkill increases. For ourselves, natural lands increase our quality of life, providing essential services such as clean air and water, recreation opportunities, and natural beauty. The pressures of growth highlight the urgent need to prioritize land conservation to balance development with the preservation of our natural heritage. Protecting these spaces ensures that future generations will continue to enjoy the benefits of a rich and diverse ecosystem, while also maintaining the ecological health and resilience of Florida’s landscapes.
Video Timelapse of Orlando, Florida.
Threats to Wild Florida
The primary threat to protecting Florida’s natural lands is unchecked growth and development, which leads to the destruction of vital habitats and biodiversity. As the state’s population increases, more pressure is placed on our remaining green spaces. The lack of growth management fragments natural areas, diminishing their ecological value and making it harder for wildlife to thrive.
Funding for land conservation programs is an effective tool to protect our wildlife and their habitat from development. However, the state’s reluctance to fund established and transparent land conservation programs is another threat to protecting Florida’s natural lands. In 2014, 75% of Florida voters approved the Water and Land Legacy Amendment. This amendment was to ensure 20 years of robust funding for land conservation, aimed at securing clean water and healthy habitats. Unfortunately, the state Legislature has not fully utilized the available funds in a meaningful and appropriate manner.
Far too often, conservation lands are targeted as opportunities for development such as roads, schools, airports, and other egregious incompatible uses. These critically needed lands are also the focus of frequent attempts to divest the state’s interest in publicly owned conservation lands. This loss of permanent protection and management of conservation lands undermines decades of work to preserve wild Florida.
Now, more than ever, advocating for increased funding for land conservation and stronger policies for permanent protection is critical for saving wildlife and their habitat.
Keeping Florida Wild
Better land use planning and land conservation funding efforts at the local, state, and federal levels are crucial in protecting habitats for Florida’s diverse wildlife. These initiatives help preserve natural landscapes, ensuring native species have safe, thriving environments. These efforts not only help preserve Florida’s unique biodiversity but also support clean water, air quality, and resilience against climate change. By working together across all levels of government, we can create a network of protected land that supports biodiversity, promotes ecological resilience, and safeguards access to recreate and celebrate our Florida heritage.
Learn more about local, state, and federal conservation funding opportunities the Federation is focused on below.
Florida Panther. Photo courtesy of Jay Staton | Panther Cams
Local
Many municipalities and counties have established land conservation programs funded by local voter-approved taxes. For example, Alachua County Forever has successfully preserved over 33,000 acres, while Conservation Collier has protected nearly 5,000 acres. These local funding programs can maximize their impact by seeking state and federal dollars to match.
In November 2024, voters in Martin, Clay, Lake, and Osceola Counties demonstrated overwhelming support for conservation, with all four local land conservation referendums passing by majority “YES” votes.
Martin County Forever
Clay County Land Conservation Referendum
Lake Forever
Renew Osceola County
These victories are a testament to the shared commitment of Floridians to protect our wild spaces, natural landscapes, and water quality for future generations. By approving these measures, communities have ensured the protection of critical habitats, supported water quality improvements, and safeguarded natural areas that sustain Florida’s diverse ecosystems and wildlife.
To find out if your county has a land conservation program, click HERE.
State
Florida has championed conservation land-buying programs since the 1960s: History of Land Conservation in Florida. The state currently manages 5.1 million acres of conservation lands.
Florida Forever
The Florida Forever program is the state’s premier conservation and recreation lands acquisition program. Established in 2001, it is the successor to the highly successful Preservation 2000 program. Florida Forever focuses on the conservation of natural resources, ensuring sustainable ecosystems, enhancing water quality, protecting wildlife habitats, and providing recreational spaces for the public.
In 2021, the Florida Wildlife Corridor Act was created as an enhanced science-based layer to the Florida Forever Program. With 1.46 million acres identified, its purpose is to build upon the network of public and private lands for safe passage and dispersal routes to maintain healthy populations of plants and animals.
Rural and Family Lands Protection Program
This program aims to protect private working forests, ranches, and farms through voluntary permanent agriculture land conservation easements. This program serves to provide another necessary program in the tool box to keep Florida wild.
Federal
Recovering America’s Wildlife Act
Many of Florida’s native wildlife and plant species are at risk of becoming endangered due to loss of habitat, invasive species, toxic algae outbreaks, and other threats. However, the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act (RAWA) will dedicate funding to help species of greatest conservation need in a holistic approach including habitat conservation through strategic habitat protection.
Read more about RAWA and how you can take action HERE.
Farm Bill
The Farm Bill is America’s largest investment in conservation on private and working lands and therefore, the best opportunity to support farmers and ranchers to better steward the resources that support our nation’s food supply, reverse natural habitat destruction, and improve resiliency.
Find out how the Farm Bill can provide more opportunities for land conservation in Florida HERE.
Land Conservation Protects Our Home
Florida boasts species and natural areas found in no other place and there is only one way to ensure that future Floridians and visitors have the opportunity to enjoy them. From the freshwater springs of North Florida to the home range of the rare Florida panther in the Southwest, protecting natural land is vital.
Engage with the Florida Wildlife Federation
Engagement in advocacy and conservation efforts is crucial for safeguarding Florida’s natural treasures and ensuring their longevity for future generations. Active involvement helps shape policies, protect endangered species, and preserve vital habitats from threats like pollution and habitat destruction.
Take Action
Engagement in advocacy and conservation efforts is crucial for safeguarding Florida’s natural treasures and ensuring their longevity for future generations. Active involvement helps shape policies, protect endangered species, and preserve vital habitats from threats like pollution and habitat destruction.
Volunteer
Join the Florida Wildlife Federation in our mission to conserve Florida’s land, water, and wildlife. As a volunteer, you’ll have the chance to directly impact environmental conservation efforts across Florida. Whether you’re passionate about advocacy, habitat restoration, education, or fieldwork, there’s a place for you here.
Donate
Since 1936, the Florida Wildlife Federation has preserved and protected Florida’s fish, wildlife, and natural resources. When you support the Federation, you’re helping protect the panther in South Florida through land conservation and expanding habitat connectivity for the black bear and many other species throughout the state.
